Fans witness celeb appearances, learn about Kapuso advocacies in provinces

(Sept. 30, PDI Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Cagayan de Oro—It rained hard at a recent GMA 7 event here, but fans stayed a couple of hours to see their favorite celebs in person.

At a popular mall’s outdoor venue for the “Bet ng Bayan” provincial showdown, fans holding up umbrellas—and some who weren’t—patiently stood and waited for the stars to appear onstage. They did, after the rain. Their patience had been rewarded.

“We are very grateful to all the fans who stayed to watch our ‘Kapuso Fiesta’ event despite the foul weather,” Oliver Amoroso, AVP and Head of GMA’s Regional TV-Integrated Marketing Division, told the Inquirer later. “Rain or shine, the show had to go on. The stars also gave their all in their performances, to show [thanks to] Kapusong Kagay-anons for their support.”

“Bet ng Bayan” was the culmination of the festivities. In attendance were actors Dingdong Dantes and Alden Richards, and singer Jonalyn Viray.

The provincial mall tour will continue to reach out to fans, according to Amoroso. “GMA 7 has established itself as the ‘partner of choice’ for major festivals and malls.”

GMA Regional TV (RTV) has nine stations and offices nationwide, and mounts such events, ranging from festival participation to mall shows. “These on-ground activities have gone on for quite some time, but the frequency has been intensified in the last three years due to the clamor of our regional partners and viewers,” Amoroso said.

RTV also supports GMA 7 talents’ various advocacies.

“We started an outreach activity with Dingdong in Iloilo early this year, followed by activities in Baguio, Dagupan, Davao and Bacolod. We want the young ones to understand the value of education.”

(Earlier that rainy day, Dantes handed out bags with school supplies and books to elementary students.)

“[The RTV group] also embarked on a campaign to help the fisherfolk communities affected by Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda,’ in Bantayan Island, Northern Cebu,” Amoroso said. “Through the Kapuso Adopt-a-Bangka Project, and with Marian Rivera as ambassador, we were able to rehabilitate and rebuild boats for 262 families.”